History of the SBOL

The Samoyed Breeders and Owners League was founded in 1980 to serve both those who love Samoyeds and to foster, promote and publicise the breed.

The original committee came from a wide geographical spread. Members elected came from Gwent, Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Herefordshire, Suffolk and London. The events the League held were in the furthest reaching parts of the country where there were several Samoyed owners, but nothing near enough for them to attend. Those elected to serve the League originally were:

Mrs Mann ran a “25 Club” for some years to help raise money for the League.

Mrs Ashfield died in May 1983 and Mrs Beryl Grounds was elected President in her place at the AGM of 1984.

Mrs Beryl Grounds retired as Chairman but remained as President until she passed away. Mr John Rees resigned as Secretary after 28 years and is now a Vice-President. Mrs Catherine Buecheler holds the position of Chairperson and Mrs Pat Lepley is the Secretary.

The position of Treasurer has changed several times over the years. In order of year of election they have been:- Mrs Leslie Morgan, Mr Michael Richardes, Miss Avis Haffenden, Mrs Joan Dobson, Mr Terry Gallagher and our present Treasurer, Mrs Barbara Badger.

The Committee has changed a number of times over the years, but the members still come from a wide ranging area, all working for love of Samoyeds and the Samoyed Breeders and Owners League.

Over the years a great effort has been maintained to hold shows, rallies, fun days and seminars in various parts of the country.

OPEN SHOWS

The first S.B.O.L. Open Show, was held at Malvern in Worcestershire on Sunday August 2nd 1981.

The Judge was (the late) Mr David Samuels from South Wales, a non breed specialist. One hundred and sixteen Samoyeds were entered, which shows the degree of support for the S.B.O.L.

Exhibitors were from such far apart places as Ayrshire, Devon, Mid Glamorgan and Kent. Best In Show was Mrs Emily Moody’s NOVASKAYA SILVER STARSHINE. Best Puppy was again owned by Mrs Moody and this was eight month old SILVERSAMS TOSCARA.

In those early years, the League held 3 open shows a year with some of the venues being in; – Suffolk, Surrey, Northants, South Wales, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire Also every alternate year an Open show took place at Aytoun Hall, Auchterarder, Scotland. The Scottish show was always very special and the members in Scotland gave the League wonderful support. Vast amounts of raffle prizes and refreshments were given to be sold and Scottish members would work hard in the kitchen, preparing refreshments etc. Those of the Committee who were able would travel to the show, and all felt the great personal expense and long hours of travelling were well worthwhile because such a happy atmosphere would make the show a wonderful day out.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS

The first one was held inside at Towcester Race Course on Sunday 12th May 1985. The Judge was Mr Geoff Grounds (Whitewisp) who drew an entry of 184 Samoyeds. Best In Show was Mrs Carol Fox’s CH ZAMOYSKI LUCKY STAR OF OSTYAK, a four year old male. Winner of the Bitch C.C was Mrs Carole Stringer’s CH SILVERSAMS ROSE MAREE who was also four years old. Best Puppy In Show was an eight month old bitch, Mr and Mrs Gillespie’s ASTUTUS ACACIA.

Sadly Towcester became unsuitable for future Championship shows and so these shows were then held in November at Milton Keynes. The Sports Connexion, Coventry also hosted the Championship show for many years.

THE SAMOYED YEAR BOOK

Although members received 2 newsletters a year almost since the inception of the League this has now been reduced to one. Mrs Beryl Grounds was keen to see a Year Book produced which would include the results and breeding of winners of first prizes at all shows where Championship Certificates were on offer for the breed. The first Year Book was produced in 1985 and one has been produced by the League every year since. These books carry pictorial adverts for members’ dogs and lots of interesting information pertaining to the world of showing and breeding Samoyeds. Since 1991, the Year Book has been free to members. This attractive book is greatly valued by Samoyed lovers all over the world as it is the only book available showing Samoyed records of show wins held in Great Britain, and now it includes some of the shows in Ireland as well.

The Samoyed Breeders and Owners League have had a stand each year at Crufts Dog Show where attractive items featuring the breed are on sale. Memberships may be paid there and also copies of past year books may be purchased at very reasonable prices. The Breed Stand is present at the Open Show and the yearly Championship Show.

The Samoyed Breeders and Owners League continues to try to serve its membership and the wonderful Samoyed breed.